WHAT

A pioneering painter of New Realism, Liu Xiaodong is known for his acute and lucid portraits. ‘Your Friends’ is a new series of paintings completed by Liu to depict those closest to him, after he was finally able to return to China after an extended stay in New York in 2020. The title of the exhibition was inspired by Liu’s amusement at his friend and portrait subject, the director Zhang Yuan’s joking use of the phrase ‘your friend’ during their portrait sessions. Also on view are a series of small-scale works on paper, a manuscript of the artist’s diaries made throughout the project, and a documentary film by Yang Bo recounting the series’ creation.

WHY

With his keen sense of observation, Liu captures the subtle nuances of familial intimacy. Whether the bonds of kinship are filial, fraternal, romantic, artistic, or stylistic, the artist invites viewers to reflect on the ties that bind us to our moment and to each other. The exhibition is both heartwarming and engaging. Liu’s talents lies in his snapshots of human relationships that transcend culture, politics, and race.